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Upton, Walden Statement on Nomination of New FCC Chairman

WASHINGTON, DC – House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) and Communications and Technology Subcommittee Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR) today released the following statement after President Barack Obama nominated Tom Wheeler to be the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission:

"We congratulate Tom Wheeler on his nomination to the FCC, but we are concerned by Mr. Wheeler’s views on merger conditions that can be misused to affect whole industries, not just those seeking merger approval. The FCC should use its lawful rule making authority as a public and transparent process if it wants to change industry-wide behavior and stop using closed door, strong-arm merger conditions.

"The communications sector faces tremendous competitive and technological changes that will play an important role in unleashing innovation and creating jobs. Americans deserve a 21st century framework that recognizes that. We hope the next FCC chairman will work with us to help ensure continued innovation and growth in the communications sector. The next chairman has a unique opportunity to reform the FCC to make it more transparent and efficient, helping to ensure the continued robust growth of the communications sector. Additionally, we are eager to work with the new chairman and the other members of the FCC to ensure an open, successful incentive auction free from artificial restraints on broadcasters willing to sell and wireless providers willing to buy spectrum."